This tree once grew beautiful, tasty peaches. Squirrels, though, love peaches, and given enough time, will carry off every last one.
Ellie—NOT happy.
Enter Havahart. A large, borrowed trap caught one squirrel but was 
hard to set, prompting the purchase of a smaller, easier version.
Bingo! Caught two more!
HOWEVER—the squirrel tribe gathered around a captive, who communicated the WAR PLAN. Banners unfurled, they managed to steal bait, exit the trap—springing it in the process. I persevered, but no matter how cleverly I baited, they ate it, then licked the 
plate. Did one squirrel stand under a trap door while the other dragged out the booty? Glumly, I hoisted the white flag and salvaged the remaining unripe peaches.
My best efforts were unsubstantial.
What did I learn from all this? God seems to glory in the cleverness of squirrels. This youTube is long but fun and instructive to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFZFjoX2cGg
Lesson #2: Are home-grown peaches worth that much aggravation? Strangely, after my decision to surrender, I felt TOTALLY FREE. Some things are worth fighting for, even to death, but other life battles may be more like squirrel fights. For instance, in our house, we have an ongoing doors-and-windows war—open or shut at the right or wrong times. Does it REALLY matter?
Surrendering to God may seem counterproductive, but trust me: it’s freeing. Only God can—and will—deal with broken lives and our Scary, Messy World.
Two linked poems speak an even deeper message:
The harsh moon shines
On the iron river.
I shall not go down to the bank tonight
For all the dark shapes
And terrible phantoms
Cluster with a vengeance
Outside the door.
Oh, it is long and long
I have guarded the treasure,
Across my knees the hard sword drawn. —D. Rice
And on what beautiful morning
With the sun shining and the sea calling
Shall I awake
Shall I give up my unsubstantial sword
And go down to the water
With all the trumpets sounding
And with tears and laughter
Take the white hand of my Lord?
On what beautiful morning!—T.H. White
Vadala pic
Do you wield an “unsubstantial sword” that’s inadequate for battle? Life often seems bleak, but those mighty trumpets ARE sounding—for you and on your behalf.
Comment below, or egus@me.com
These are some Beautiful words of Inspiration, Thank you Eleanor. I loved the poems also. Yep, squirrels are getting our pecans and raccoons used to , but now the raccoons are getting our figs, oh well, I guess they have to eat also and we might as well share our food with God’s beautiful little creatures. I hope you are doing well my beautiful friend. Have a Great day and stay safe. XOXOXO
I too see the wisdom in living in harmony with the different critters on this earth, including the 2-legged variety. Some battles are not worth starting. That helps us reserve strength for when we do need it.
Back in the day, my folks had a peach tree. All it attracted were yellow jackets.
Ellie my dear that was the most fun! Now do you have something that would make me have greater respect for my visiting groundhog because as of right now I have none!
Another life lesson as only Ellie can teach it! Thank you.
Whoo boy! THANK YOU.
Did you take the photos of the peach tree and squirrel trap? You can write and shoot, pretty nifty!
Thank you for making me laugh Ellie! The squirrel video was a hoot! We are strange creatures thinking we can begin to understand, no less control the balance of nature. For us, this summer began with hoardes of marauding chipmunks. We fretted about them for a while but they seem to have dwindled. The hawks cleaned out a nest full of baby robins, to our distress, but how long can an old girl stand guard with a broom? Two and a half acres is a big area to patrol, so I will just trust all that wildlife to the Creator and look forward to a place where there is no more of this crazy predator and prey nonsense.
Hi, Scott here from Minneapolis. That squirrel video is fantastic. I have a couple of friends who are just the kind of guys to build such a contraption. We’ve had an influx of chipmunks. We have an elderly next door neighbor who takes delight in sitting in his lawn chair and tossing them birdseed. Frustration has dissipated. In the grand scheme of things, very minor.
Lots of love.
Loved the story of clever, elusive squirrels nicking your peaches as well as poems of earthly struggle and godly release. God bless. K
Wit and wisdom there, Ellie. I need frequent reminders that I am living in a temporary world. It looks more temporary all the time! I really LOVED this post.
Marcia
Loved the post, and so true. thanks